Well, that certainly does sound poetic - and why not? We're in the season of love. You can see it in all the card shops, flower boutiques and specialty chocolate stores. And nothing says Valentine's Day like the colour red - as in the foods we eat, the drinks we down, the moods we feel.

The cocktails we enjoy.

Here's a selection of excellent cocktails perfect for St. Val, courtesy of William Grant & Sons (Williamgrant.com).

NOTE: Simple syrup is available at your local supermarket or grocery, or can be made by blending equal parts sugar and water and bringing to a boil until just clarified. Let cool and pour in sterilized container. Keeps in fridge for two weeks.

Chocolate kiss

It wouldn't be Valentine's Day without a taste of chocolate. This will light up your taste buds.

For brownie: In a double boiler, or a heat-proof bowl over a pan of barely simmer water, (making sure bowl doesn't touch water) melt butter and chocolates. Stir until completely melted and combined. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Combine sugar, flour, and salt in a large mixing bowl; pour over cooled chocolate, and mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, gently beat eggs with vanilla. Add to mixing bowl along with white chocolate. Blend together until you create a shiny chocolatey mixture. Pour this into prepared pan.

For cheesecake: Whisk cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and creamy. Pour this carefully over the brownie mix, trying to create an even layer. Use a fork to drag cheesecake mix through brownie mix to create a marbled effect. Drop raspberries into pan. Try to ensure that all raspberries are almost fully pushed into mixture. Bake in preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. After 30 minutes remove the pan and check to see if brownies are set but still have a slight wobble to them; return to oven if they need a little longer. Leave to cool in the pan, covered with foil. Once cooled, cut into 16 pieces, and serve.